Dewatering & Sewage Pumps

The BA Series solids handling portable dewatering pumps are essential for sewer bypass pumping and flood relief. Dewatering, high head, mining and emergency applications also benefit from the use of these pumps. The vacuum assisted dry-prime centrifugal pumps can be powered by a diesel engine or an electric motor.

Dry priming means that the pump contains an end-suction centrifugal pump with its own vacuum system (diaphragm pump, float box and non-return valve).

How do vac assist dry prime pumps work?

Once the engine has started up, the vacuum pump begins to immediately prime. A non-return valve shuts off the discharge side of the centrifugal pump making a vacuum on the suction side. Liquid is then quickly drawn and once the centrifugal pump is filled with water the pumping process begins. Simultaneously, the water level in the float tank rises and a float shuts off the supply to the diaphragm pump.

To understand just how fast this process works, check out the priming with MP50 vacuum pump video.

Vac Assisted Diaphragm Pumps – Key Points

• A special oil chamber is fitted inside the bearing frame of the centrifugal pump; this cools the mechanical seal during dry suction. During start-up the pump housing does not have to be filled with water.
• The BA Series pumps can run dry and trouble free for 5 minutes during start-up – this time frame may concern customers. Can this be eliminated or reworded. However, we recommend that you do not run dry for longer than this time, even though the chance of damage to the mechanical seal is extremely low.
• BBA Pumps offers two different vacuum diaphragm pumps: the MP50 and MP100. The difference is the maximum air capacity of 29 CFM and 59 CFM.
• When a high quality solution is required, then a vacuum assisted diaphragm pump is the right choice. A diaphragm pump will not fail if water escapes past the float seal, making it highly reliable due to the long service life of the diaphragm and valves which makes it more cost effective to maintain and operate. Lastly, as there is no chance of leaking oil, it’s also an ecologically friendly option. 
• A diaphragm pump has a maximum vacuum range of 27 feet. 
• A toothed belt drives the diaphragm pump. As no vacuum is required, the diaphragm pump consumes very little energy.
• 7 feet is the maximum flooded suction with a BA Series dry prime pump. We recommend placing a valve in the hose between the float tank and the vacuum diaphragm pump to shut off the supply to the flooded suction.   

Contact us and let us advise you on the selection of the right pump.